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Just few hours before Anambra governorship election on Saturday, it was learnt that many residents of the state are relocating to neighbouring States over security concerns.
It was noted that the exercise may witness serious voter apathy.
Besides, the heavy deployment of over 34,000 security personnel by the Inspector General of Police, IGP Alkali Baba, has heightened fears of violence and attacks among residents.
Some of the residents were seen at different motor parks in the State boarding vehicles to Enugu, Delta, Edo and Abia, among others.
One of them, Chidera, told newsmen she was relocating to Asaba in Delta State until after the governorship election.
Maurice said she was on his way to Enugu on Thursday following threats by non-state actors.
The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr C Don Adinuba, however described such a claim as false.
He said those seen travellings were people from far places like Ayamelum who wanted to go home to cast their votes since they registered in their areas.
Adinuba said: “You know the Governor declared two-day work-free days in the State which are Thursday and Friday. The workers who live in urban centres used the opportunity to travel on time and again you know it’s still raining.
“No one is leaving Anambra State because of insecurity, those you saw are people from far areas in the State like Ayamelum, who want to go and vote
“If you say they are relocating, what State in Nigeria is safer than Anambra State? People should grow beyond such propaganda.”
The Deputy Inspector General of Police in charge of operations, Zaki Ahmed, told newsnen that heavy deployment of security agencies was not to scare residents.
Rather, he said they were here to secure lives and property from the non- State actors, adding that they were also in Anambra to maintain neutrality.
He said the policemen would work with other sister agencies, in making sure that the governorship election was free and fair while calling on the residents to come out to cast their votes.
Fatimah Oyesanmi
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